European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society
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Comparative Study
Cytokine gene variations associated with subsyndromal depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer.
This study explored the relationships between variations in cytokines genes and depressive symptoms in a sample of patients who were assessed prior to and for six months following breast cancer surgery. Phenotypic differences between Resilient (n = 155) and Subsyndromal (n = 180) depressive symptom classes, as well as variations in cytokine genes were evaluated. ⋯ A variation in TNFA that was associated with Subsyndromal depressive symptoms in a sample of patients and their family caregivers was confirmed in this sample. Variations in cytokine genes may place these patients at higher risk for the development of Subsyndromal levels of depressive symptoms.
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(i) To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and analyse the potential contributing factors of HRQOL in elderly cancer patients in China; and (ii) to evaluate the possible correlation between the Medical Outcomes 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). ⋯ The findings of this study highlight role functioning, financial impact, fatigue, anxiety, and depression as areas where elderly cancer patients could most benefit from intervention. These findings also call attention to HRQOL and its related factors in elderly cancer patients. Interventions to be developed for improving HRQOL in cancer patients are highly recommended.
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Multicenter Study
Identification of patient subgroups and risk factors for persistent arm/shoulder pain following breast cancer surgery.
In this prospective, longitudinal study, we extend our findings on persistent breast pain in patients (n = 398) following breast cancer surgery and evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of persistent pain in the arm/shoulder. In addition, differences in the severity of common symptoms and quality of life outcomes measured prior to surgery, among the arm pain classes, were evaluated. ⋯ Findings suggest that approximately 35% of women experience persistent levels of moderate arm/shoulder pain in the first six months following breast cancer surgery. Moderate arm/shoulder pain is associated with clinically meaningful decrements in functional status and quality of life.
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This study aims to examine the supportive care needs of Chinese breast cancer survivors, and investigate the relationships with participant characteristics and quality of life. ⋯ Breast cancer survivors perceive various unmet needs, and health system information is the most common one. Those who have more unmet needs in the physical and psychological domains were more likely to perceive a poorer quality of life.
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Companions often accompany patients to cancer consultations. The number of questions asked by patients and companions is an indicator of their active participation. The present study aims to provide first descriptive evidence on the characteristics of unaccompanied and accompanied Italian breast cancer patients that attend the first consultation after surgery and to analyse companions contribution to the type and quantity of questions asked during the consultation. ⋯ Accompanied and non accompanied patients differed more in socio-demographic than clinical characteristics. Companions sustained the patient and shared information without reducing the level of patient involvement.